Pollinator-mediated selection, reproductive isolation and floral evolution in Ophrys orchids

摘要

Pollination by sexual deception is arguably one of the most intriguing pollination syndromes among orchids. In this system, patrolling male insects, mostly hymenopterans, bring about cross-pollination while attempting copulation with the female decoysof orchid flowers, a phenomenon known as 'pseudo-copulation'. In this study we investigate female sex pheromones of bees and wasps and floral odours of a range of European orchids in a comparative approach, along with bioassays performed with male beesin situ, in an attempt at unlocking the basis and specificity of orchid-pollinator interactions.